Which COVID-19 Test Is Right for You?

Testing Options for COVID-19

Test for Current or Past COVID Infection

PCR, Point-of-Care & Antibody Testing

Bloom offers the highest quality testing options tailored to meet your needs. Diagnostic screening for current viral infections can be used to control the spread of COVID-19. Molecular testing by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the highest standard in accuracy when it comes to testing for a current infection.

Bloom also offers an array of point-of-care (PoC) molecular and antigen testing options to help clients build solutions for their workplace. PoC can be performed onsite for rapid results with convenient sample collection state-of-the-art reporting.

Bloom also offers a diverse portfolio of the highest quality antibody testing options. Antibody testing is used to determine previous exposure to COVID-19. The presence of antibodies can help to protect against re-infection of COVID-19.

About Our Tests

Saliva Tests & Blood Tests

How We Test

PCR Testing for Current COVID Infection

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the CDC’s gold standard for the detection of a current COVID-19 infection. A nasal or saliva specimen is collected and transported to a laboratory where the viral RNA and DNA are extracted and amplified until the virus is detectable by a PCR instrument.

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Antibody Testing for Past COVID Infection

Bloom has partnered with Genalyte to offer the highest quality of antibody testing. A small blood sample is collected and sent to a laboratory where scientists target 26 different proteins for the accurate detection of IgG and IgM antibodies.

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Point of Care Testing for Rapid Results

Point of Care testing is a class of tests that offer an onsite, rapid detection of COVID-19 virus, antigens, and antibodies. Many different options exist, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. At Bloom, we can help you determine which point of care testing option is best for you.

PCR Test vs Antibody Test

Comparing COVID-19 Tests

	PCR Test	Point of Care	Antibody Test
Sometimes referred to as:	Viral test, molecular test, RT-PCR test	Rapid diagnostic test, Some molecular tests, Antigen Tests	Serological test, serology, blood test, serology test
How the sample is taken:	Nasal swab or Saliva	Nasal or throat swab	Finger stick or blood draw
How long it takes to get results:	48 to 72 hours	One hour or less	48 to 72 hours Some rapid options available with results in less than 1 hour
Is another test needed:	This test is typically highly accurate and usually does not need to be repeated.	Positive results are usually highly accurate but negative results may need to be confirmed with a molecular test.	Sometimes a second antibody test is needed for accurate results.
What it shows:	Diagnoses active coronavirus infection	Diagnoses active coronavirus infection	Shows if you’ve been infected by coronavirus in the past
What it can't do:	Show if you ever had COVID-19 or were infected with the coronavirus in the past	Definitively rule out active coronavirus infection. Antigen tests are more likely to miss an active coronavirus infection compared to molecular tests. Your health care provider may order a molecular test if your antigen test shows a negative result but you have symptoms of COVID-19.	Diagnose active coronavirus infection at the time of the test or show that you do not have COVID-19

The above table references the United Staes FDA, for more information please click here.